Christopher John Rogers Wants You to Break Fashion Rules With His Old Navy Collab

Any conversation about American fashion will eventually lead to these two designers: Zac Posen, whose romantic gowns defined 2000s red carpet style, and Christopher John Rogers, whose colorful, exuberant pieces have garnered a cult following. That their paths would cross at Old Navy is something perhaps neither could've predicted. But what a gift to their fans. On Apr. 15, Christopher John Rogers's limited-edition collection for Old Navy officially hits stores — and Zac Posen, now the retailer's Chief Creative Officer, was no doubt integral in bringing the collaboration to life. "I wanted to bring somebody in that really brings that energy, joy, color, and a coolness that I know that our customer is looking for," Posen told Popsugar. In true Christopher John Rogers fashion, the pieces are wearable works of art: bright, kaleidoscopic color, vibrant floral prints, maximalist stripes — rooted by polished separates that only look expensive. The collection runs the gamut from one-shoulder jersey dresses (a first for the designer) to wide-leg denim to a colorful striped set that feels like it could be pulled from Rogers's eponymous line. I think that's what's so fun about this collection is that there's so many opportunities to discover yourself and to try new things without feeling scared. Being able to put the polka dot skirt with a striped sweater or something more directional back to jeans.Fans of his ready-to-wear pieces will recognize his signature design flourishes. Think rainbow buttons adorning a shirt dress or his affinity for styling a peplum top with a voluminous skirt. The pricing ranges from $25 for a logo tank you'll wear with everything to $85 for a utility jean jacket that will quickly become a closet staple. Rogers drew inspiration from his own brand ethos but also his experience shopping at Old Navy as a child living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "Growing up, especially during the summer months, I loved going to Old Navy to play with stripes, madras, this idea of color," he says. "So, it made so much sense" to incorporate it into the collection. This isn't your average designer collaboration. More than just a limited-edition line of clothes, Christopher John Rogers is introducing a new approach to fashion: declarative dressing. This sartorial philosophy values confidence and bold self-expression over passing trends. It's maximalist and eye-catching without trying too hard: this is someone who naturally commands attention without having to seek it out. Image Source: BFA / Sansho Scott Look no further than the launch event for inspiration. Street-style darling Chloe King is already separating the polka dot three-piece set, choosing instead to pair the scarf and skirt with a ruffle plaid crop top. Campaign star and style icon Kimora Lee Simmons takes a subtler approach, styling the striped top with olive barrel pants and a bomber jacket for a pop of color. Katie Holmes opts for structured, wide-leg jeans styled with the golden olive fitted sweater. The magic of Christopher John Rogers is sharing in his joy and reverence for fashion in a way that feels unique and authentic to you. And Rogers encourages it. "I think that's what's so fun about this collection is that there's so many opportunities to discover yourself and to try new things without feeling scared," he explains. "Being able to put the polka dot skirt with a striped sweater or something more directional back to jeans." Ahead of the Christopher John Rogers x Old Navy launch, Popsugar spoke with Rogers and Zac Posen about the inspiration behind the collection, the art of declarative dressing, and their collective penchant for breaking fashion rules. Keep scrolling to read the full interview and shop the collection. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.